2011 BMW 135I: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2011 BMW 135I
On the 2011 BMW 135I, the failure owners report most often is other engine problem, with 9 reports on file. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 45,000 miles. Overall it scores 75 out of 100, severe risk for a 2011.
Severe risk for a 2011 — 40th riskiest of the 283 2011 vehicles we can rate. 35 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
What breaks on the 2011 BMW 135I
Owners have reported 10 named failure modes on the 2011 BMW 135I, and the three most-reported carry 49% of everything filed.
Other engine problem leads with 9 reports and about 0.4 per 1,000 vehicles.
Water pump failure follows with 4 reports, median 90,000 miles.
Dual-clutch or clutch-pack failure follows with 4 reports, median 25,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into engine (9), cooling (5) and transmission (5).
At what mileage it happens
20 of the reports on the 2011 BMW 135I came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 45,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 50% by 50,000 miles and 85% by 100,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.
The busiest stretch is between 0 and 10,000 miles, which alone holds 20% of the dated reports.
50% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, which is early enough that a fair number of these cars were still under a factory warranty when the owner complained.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
How bad it is when it goes
Across the named modes, 1 mentions a crash, 2 a fire and 1 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.51, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other engine problem at $300–$4,000, water pump failure at $500–$2,200, dual-clutch or clutch-pack failure at $1,800–$5,500 and blower motor or climate control failure at $250–$1,200. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
54% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures, so more than half of what owners complained about here is expensive.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other engine problem | engine | 9 | 5 | — | 5k | — | 0.4 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Water pump failure | cooling | 4 | 1 | — | 90k | — | 0.2 | $500–$2,200 | High |
| Dual-clutch or clutch-pack failure | transmission | 4 | 4 | — | 26k | — | 0.2 | $1,800–$5,500 | High |
| Blower motor or climate control failure | hvac | 4 | 2 | — | 113k | — | 0.2 | $250–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 3 | 3 | — | 73k | — | 0.1 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Airbag inflator rupture | airbag | 3 | 1 | — | 18k | — | 0.1 | $0–$0 | Critical |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 2 | 1 | — | 20k | — | 0.1 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Overheating | cooling | 1 | 1 | — | 75k | — | 0.0 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 1 | 1 | — | 100 | — | 0.0 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Unclassified problem | other | 3 | 1 | — | 57k | — | 0.1 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2011 BMW 135I draws about 1.6 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 80th percentile of complaint rates among 2011 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 22,469 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2011 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Other engine problem
Engine acceleration lag. The car hesitates when the gas pedal is pushed down. This occurs when it is moving at a slow speed of 5 to 10 MPH and at a halt. It creates a dangerous situation if you are merging with traffic or trying to enter traffic from a side street. When the gas pedal is depressed it can be as long as 2 to 3 seconds before the engine accelerates. *tr
Crossing the street---I had the gas peddle all the way to the floor (twice yesterday) and the car literally did not move and traffic was approaching. The car eventually moved forward. Problem---hesitation in the engine when applying the gas as I pull out to cross the intersection, slow down to make a turn, or just try to move forward with traffic after stopping. Also, as I applied the brake, when approaching a stop light, the car surges forward toward the car in front of me. These two characteristics happen frequently and are very scary. I do not trust the cars response to either the acceleration or the braking. It has been in the repair shop several times and I continue to be told "car is performing normally". This cannot possibly be correct. *tr
Water pump failure
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw 135i. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle overheated and lost power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a water pump failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Dual-clutch or clutch-pack failure
When moving slowly and then rapidly accelerating, such as when attempting to turn onto a busy road, the car seems to shut off the fuel for a solid 2 seconds, so the car actually slows rather than speeds up. The driver, when trying to turn in traffic, will panic and press harder on the gas and nothing will happen until the 2 seconds is over, and then the car suddenly takes off into traffic. This happens consistently and is dangerous when trying to merge in traffic. Bmw has attempted to fix it unsuccessfully and now says it is "normal functionality of the gearbox and nothing can be done to remove this sensation". This car has the dual clutch transmission (dct). *tr
When moving slowly and then rapidly accelerating, such as when attempting to turn onto a busy road, the car seems to shut off the fuel for a solid 2 seconds, so the car actually slows rather than speeds up. The driver, when trying to turn in traffic, will panic and press harder on the gas and nothing will happen until the 2 seconds is over, and then the car suddenly takes off into traffic. This happens consistently and is dangerous when trying to merge in traffic. Bmw has attempted to fix it unsuccessfully and now says it is "normal functionality of the gearbox and nothing can be done to remove this sensation". This car has the dual clutch transmission (dct). *tr
Recalls on the 2011 model year
NHTSA has issued 6 recall campaigns covering the 2011 BMW 135I, affecting an estimated 44,514 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module, electrical system:wiring and power train:driveline:constant velocity joint. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
One caution about reading these together: a recall usually raises the complaint count for the same part, because owners who read about it go and file. The mileages stay informative; the counts get noisy.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
59,965 vehicles 2020-01-15- Defect
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and…
- Consequence
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
41,981 vehicles 2019-08-06- Defect
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
- Consequence
- Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of an earlier recall number 17V-676.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
8,752 vehicles 2017-02-02- Defect
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
- Consequence
- If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
840,000 vehicles 2016-02-05- Defect
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs…
- Consequence
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
156,137 vehicles 2014-04-10- Defect
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that…
- Consequence
- If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
516,791 vehicles 2013-02-07- Defect
- BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4…
- Consequence
- If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2011 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
Better and worse years of the same car
Severe risk for a 2011 — 40th riskiest of the 283 2011 vehicles we can rate. The comparison is always within the same model year, so an older car is never penalised for having had longer to break.
Across the 6 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2008 comes out best at 67 and 2011 worst at 75, with 2011 itself at 75.
If the model year is negotiable, 2008, 2010, 2009 and 2012 score lower than 2011 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2007–2013 generation specifically, 2008 is the strongest year at 67 and 2011 the weakest at 75.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2007-2013 generation, 2008 BMW 135I scores best at 67 and 2011 BMW 135I worst at 75.
What this page cannot tell you
35 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 35 reports, 20 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 57% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
The failure modes are assigned by software reading the owner's own words, which is accurate in bulk and wrong in individual cases. A mode with a handful of reports may contain a misfiled one.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 135I?
The most-reported failures are other engine problem (9 reports, median 5,000 miles), water pump failure (4 reports, median 90,000 miles) and dual-clutch or clutch-pack failure (4 reports, median 25,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
Is the 2011 BMW 135I reliable?
It scores 75 out of 100 on our risk index, which is severe — 40th riskiest of the 283 2011 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2011 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the BMW 135I is best?
Within the 2007–2013 generation, 2008 scores best at 67 out of 100 and 2011 worst at 75. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed